Md. Tanzim Hossain, Chattogram City

In both retail and wholesale markets of Chattogram, the prices of several essential commodities, including onions, have significantly decreased. Over the past three weeks, the retail price of onions has dropped by Tk 35 per kilogram, or approximately 32%, now selling at Tk 75. In the wholesale market of Khatunganj, prices have decreased by Tk 25 per kilogram, or 28%, during the same period.

Rezaul Karim, a wholesale trader from Khatunganj, informed The Country Today that the withdrawal of import duties led to large-scale onion imports from India and Pakistan, increasing supply in the market. Additionally, the arrival of winter onions has slightly reduced demand, contributing to the price drop.

Alongside onions, the prices of ginger and garlic have also fallen. Indian ginger has seen a price reduction of Tk 20-30 per kilogram, now selling at Tk 90. Garlic prices have decreased by Tk 5-10 per kilogram.

The vegetable market has remained stable. Prices of various vegetables include cauliflower at Tk 35-45, cabbage at Tk 30-40, tomatoes at Tk 100, yardlong beans at Tk 60, hyacinth beans at Tk 60-70, cucumbers at Tk 40-50, eggplants at Tk 50, green chilies at Tk 60-70, and local potatoes at Tk 80 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, mixed trends are observed in the meat and fish markets. Broiler chicken prices have increased by Tk 10 per kilogram, reaching Tk 185. Sonali chicken is being sold at Tk 280 per kilogram. Eggs are priced at Tk 140 per dozen. Among fish, tilapia is being sold at Tk 200-220 per kilogram, pangas at Tk 160, rohu at Tk 250-300, and pabda at Tk 380-420.

Traders are optimistic that if imports and supply remain stable, further relief in essential commodity prices can be expected. However, the high prices of certain items continue to pose challenges for ordinary consumers.